TV duo joins city run

MACKAY'S own Biggest Loser contestants Sam and Jess O'Malley joined 60 of the city's LayZee Runners on Saturday for a training session full of encouragement and motivation.

LayZee Runners Club member Dawn Mansfield said it was great to run alongside the two contestants, who lost a combined total of 24.3kg before they left the Biggest Loser house in March.

"We were helping them pick up the pace," Ms Mansfield said.

"Chris (Evangelou) was keeping Sam up to pace with the whole challenge and had him in control.

"Jess was running with the back group and another lady who has taken up the challenge was motivating her. It was great for everyone to see that no matter how far along you are in your fitness journey you always need motivation."

Ms Mansfield said it was clear to see the health benefits the O'Malleys had achieved through weight loss and training.

"I saw a photo of Sam on his licence and he's a totally different man. He's made a remarkable difference to his body. I would think Jess has done exactly the same thing."

She said the two reality show contestants showed interest in running with the club after SeaFM breakfast radio presenters Jay Shipston and Dave Peters decided to participate in Saturday's 5.45am 5km jog around Mackay.

"I said to them 'You do realise we're in the middle of a program getting everyone up to speed for the marina run … we're up to the eight-minute run and two-minute walk stage.

"It was really good to see them there … it ended up being a really enjoyable day for everyone."